How Should We Structure Leave Policies for 24/7 Milk Industry Operations?

Dear All,

I work in the Milk industry, which operates 365 days a year. I need your assistance with our leave policy. According to our policy, festival holidays are included in the leave entitlement. Therefore, if an individual takes leave on Diwali, it will be deducted from their total leaves.

The leave structure is as follows:
- 4 National Holidays
- 3 Sick Leaves
- 18 PL (Presumptive Leaves)

There are no separate leaves allocated for festivals.

This policy applies to all employees and workers. Please suggest the most suitable structure considering the nature of the industry, as a milk factory operates round the clock. Additionally, advise on how to present the leave policy to the management.

With Regards,
Jigar Gangar

Dear Jigar,

It is not like that, and you are required to at least follow the provisions of the Factories Act. You can give more leave than the provisions given in the act.

National and festival holidays do not have any connection with leave. You are working 365 days, but in between, you are also giving national holidays. You are required to follow your certified standing orders. If you do not have them, then follow the model standing orders and at least provide 7 days of holidays, including 4 national rest festival holidays, 7 casual leaves, paid leave/earned leave 1 day for every 20 days of working, and sick leave of 10 days for those who are not covered under ESI.

Dear, this is the bare minimum that you should provide.

Thank you,
J S Malik

Dear Jigar Gangar,

You are advised to go through your State National, Festival, Casual, and Sick Leaves Act, if applicable, for the grant of these National and festival holidays, Casual and Sick leaves, and for earned leave examine the leave with wages chapter of the Factories Act, 1948. Present these statutory leaves before your seniors for decision.

Regards,

R.N.Khola
(Labour Law & Legal Consultants)